I would personally opt for the Black Rat ahead of the Chesil, got its Star (if important to you) this year and is much more interesting than the Chesil. Rectory is nice but personally prefer the Rat, also next door is their pub, Black Boy, with some good local ales on.

I live in Winchester, I'm glad you had a nice time. Both the Chesil Rectory and The Black Rat are very good. Lainston House is much more expensive than either of them and is very much the grand country house experience. I've had some great meals at Lainston House but have to be in the right frame of mind as some of their food can be a mite fussy. I hear what you are saying about the consistency though.